Study Finds High Bacterial Loads on Aircraft Tray Tables and Safety Cards

Microbiologists sampled surfaces on several commercial aircraft and reported that the most contaminated items are the meal‑tray tables and the safety‑instruction cards kept in seat pockets. Other high‑risk spots include armrests, headrests and overhead‑bin handles, where fecal bacteria such as E. coli and pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus were detected.

Airlines clean aircraft between flights, but the study indicates that routine cleaning does not fully remove bacteria from these frequently touched objects. Experts from the State Health Institute and the Infectious Diseases Clinic advise passengers to wash hands regularly, use disinfectant gel, and wipe high‑touch surfaces with moist wipes. They also suggest using a face mask for travelers with weakened immune systems.